A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Saint Augustine vs. Sedona for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Augustine or Sedona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine is a notable, colonial, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Sedona

Sedona is a scenic, striking, and desert town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint Augustine and Sedona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town


Is there more to do in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Augustine. Although Saint Augustine and Sedona are popular destinations, Saint Augustine has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Augustine is very popular for its museums, beaches, and historical sights, while Sedona attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint Augustine is famous for being the oldest consistently inhabited city in the United States. It is also well known for the Colonial Quarter. Sedona is famous for its stargazing, desert setting, and yoga retreats.

How is Saint Augustine different from Sedona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sedona and Saint Augustine. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Saint Augustine is great for its historical sights. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Saint Augustine offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's history is brought to life with many monuments and museums. The Lightner Museum, the Old Jail Museum, the Lincolnville Museum, and Castillo De San Marcos are among the city's most notable sights. Also worth a visit is the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Sedona. The Sedona Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the area. There are also many galleries around town.


Is the Food Better in Saint Augustine or Sedona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Both Saint Augustine and Sedona offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Augustine makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is influenced by the long history of the city. You'll find flavors that are influenced by Spanish, African, and Native American cultures. There are several popular dishes around town such as fried shrimp, clam chowder, and shrimp and grits.

Sedona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's grown into a foodie destination with local restaurants that pride themselves on using local ingredients. Mexican food is common but you'll also find cafes, classic American food, and other international options.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Nightlife?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

It's hard to distinguish whether Saint Augustine or Sedona has a better nightlife scene.

Saint Augustine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are wineries, pubs, live music venues, and a number of activities that take advantage of the outdoor setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Sedona has a few options to choose from. There are bars, live music venues, and even a casino in town. Breweries are popular and there are also upscale wine bars.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Resorts?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Sedona is a great destination for its resorts. However, Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.

Sedona is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Upscale resorts with spas, pools, and other amenities offer the perfect backdrop for a desert vacation.

Saint Augustine is not a resort destination.


Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Beaches?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Saint Augustine is great for the beache. However, Sedona is not a beach destination.

Saint Augustine is considered a top beach destination. Head to the beach to relax and swim. There are miles of sandy beach nearby, with some of the most popular being Ponte Vedra Beach, known for its golf courses, Vilano Beach, with its charming atmosphere, and the scenic Anastasia State Park.

Sedona is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for its Old Town?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Saint Augustine is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Saint Augustine offers plenty to see. As the longest running, continuously occupied city in the United States, the Historic Downtown is at the heart of the city. It's filled with quaint restaurants, historic hotels, and charming streets. You can take carriage rides or wander through the historic sites. Many of the buildings date back to the 1700s and offer a glimpse into Florida's past.

Sedona offers a nice historic old town area. Traditional architecture and historic charm give downtown Sedona a lot of character.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Hiking?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Sedona is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sedona. It's red rock cliffs offer the perfect setting for dramatic hikes and breathtaking views. The colors are most impressive at sunrise and sunset and some of the most famous landmarks include Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Saint Augustine is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Sedona is very popular for shopping. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Sedona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's filled with local artisan shops and art galleries that highlight the region's beauty. Head to Uptown Sedona for some of the best boutiques. You should also check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, the Sedona Art Center, and Hozho Distinctive Shops and Galleries.

Saint Augustine is well-known for its shopping. The Historic Downtown has unique art galleries and boutiques. St. George Street is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and Aviles Street is the oldest street in the United States. It's also filled with artisan boutiques. Plaza de la ConstituciĆ³n is known for its long running public market and it often has live entertainment.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Families?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Saint Augustine and Sedona are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Augustine is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Alligator Farm but there's also a surprisingly fascinating archaeological park - The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The Colonial Quarter is fun for all ages as well, as is a visit to Fort Castillo De San Marcos. If you have some time, head outside of town to the Marineland Dolphin Adventure, which is well worth the trip.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sedona is very family-friendly. There are impressive parks and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Head to Slide Rock State Park where your kids can enjoy a natural waterslide. There's also the Out of Africa Wildlife Zoo as well as a canyon railroad.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Couples?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Sedona is very popular for romance. Also, Saint Augustine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Sedona has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Stargazing in the evening or picnicking in a park during the day. There are countless romantic activities that couples can enjoy. The area is filled with striking natural beauty that is at its best during sunset. Couples will also enjoy fine dining and a variety of outdoor activities.

Saint Augustine is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The Ancient City has a charm that is unique in Florida. There is beautiful architecture and a historical atmosphere that is romantic and genuine. You can enjoy a carriage ride and then sample some local cuisine before heading to the beach.


Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Sedona is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Augustine is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sedona. You'll find campgrounds, RV parks, and motels in the area, but no real hostels.

Saint Augustine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel in town as well as a couple of affordable inns.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint Augustine and Sedona.

Public transit is generally limited in Saint Augustine. The Old Town Trolley travels through the historic center. There's also a bus service through the region, but you really need a private vehicle to explore everything.

Public transit is mostly limited in Sedona. Verde Shuttle offers shuttle routes through town.

Is Saint Augustine or Sedona a more walkable city?

Saint Augustine
Sedona

Saint Augustine is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Sedona is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Saint Augustine is a very walkable city. It's one of the more walkable cities in the area. Downtown, Uptown, and even near the beach have accessible areas with sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones.

Sedona is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in Uptown Sedona, then the area is walkable, but if you're planning to stay further away then you'll need to have a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Saint Augustine Worth Visiting? and Is Sedona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sedona or Saint Augustine?

How long in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

In either Saint Augustine or Sedona, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sedona than Saint Augustine because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint Augustine, and 3-5 days is enough time in Sedona.

Families should spend more time in Saint Augustine than Sedona. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint Augustine, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sedona than Saint Augustine. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sedona that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sedona than Saint Augustine if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sedona.


  • How many days in Saint Augustine or Sedona? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Augustine 3-4 
    Sedona 3-5

One day in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Augustine. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sedona is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Saint Augustine is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sedona might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Augustine. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sedona is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the notable destination of Saint Augustine. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Since Sedona is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Sedona or Saint Augustine?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Augustine is $159, while the average daily cost in Sedona is $165. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saint Augustine and Sedona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Augustine $86
    Sedona $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Augustine $172
    Sedona $186
Compare Hotels in Saint Augustine and Sedona

Looking for a hotel in Saint Augustine or Sedona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saint Augustine


Hotels in Sedona


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Saint Augustine Hotel Prices and Sedona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Augustine $39
    Sedona $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Prices for flights to both Sedona and Saint Augustine change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saint Augustine $49
    Sedona $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Augustine

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Augustine.

  • Feast of Saint Augustine Walking Food Tour: $139

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The VIP Experience, Chuck Wagon Dinner and Show Tickets: $119
  • Sedona/Flagstaff: Grand Canyon Day Trip with Dinner & Sunset: $241
  • Cooking class and candlelit dinner with a view: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Augustine $18
    Sedona $19

Tours and Activities in Saint Augustine

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Augustine for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arcimoto Electric Vehicle Adventure Rental in St. Augustine: $96
  • 1-Hour Your Studiyo Admission Ticket: $34
  • : Step back in time with pastime private historical tours: $38
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of St Augustine's Twisted History: $20
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Ghost Boat - Boo Cruise: $40
  • Adventure Boat Tours - Sunset Water Tour in St. Augustine: $38
  • Adventure Meets History Tour in St Augustine: $89
  • Afterlife Tours- Beyond the Grave Tour: $25
  • Airboat Adventure in Saint Augustine with a Guide: $80
  • America‘s Oldest City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of St Augustine: $20
  • Bay to City Nights of Lights Tour by Boat and Cart: $150
  • Best of St. Augustine with Scenic Cruise: $193

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sedona

For Sedona, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Red Rock Fantasy Light Show (for 2)
    $10

Tours and Activities in Sedona

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sedona.

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour with GPS Audio Guide App: $8.99
  • Sedona & Red Rock State Park: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $15
  • Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
  • Grand Canyon & Self-Guided Driving Tour Bundle: $25
  • From Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour: $25
  • Jerome Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Admission Ticket: $43
  • Feel the Sedona Vortex Mindfulness Game and Adventure: $45
  • Sedona Hi-Points Luxury Van Tour: $46
  • The Best Private Vortex and City Tour of Sedona: $50
  • Hi-Points Tour in Luxury Van: $50
  • The Magic of Sedona Highlights Tour: $63

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Augustine $25
    Sedona $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Augustine

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Augustine:

  • The Original Haunted Pub Tour: $24
  • Ghosts and Spirits of St Augustine Pub Crawl Tour: $39
  • Toast of St. Augustine Walking Pub Crawl - drinks included: $63

Sample the Local Flavors in Sedona

Also in Sedona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Elevated Social Wine Tours of Sedona's Vineyards : $85
  • Bliss Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour with Lunch Included: $115
  • All inclusive Sedona Join in Wine Tour 200+ 5 star reviews!: $179
  • Tastings Included! EXPRESS PRIVATE ELEVATED WINE TOUR: $199
  • Pedal and Paddle Wine Tour in Arizona: $235
  • Private Wine Tour in Sedona, Arizona: $295


When comparing the travel costs between Saint Augustine and Sedona, we can see that Sedona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint Augustine Expensive? and Is Sedona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saint Augustine or Sedona?

Saint Augustine has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Sedona. When comparing the sizes of Saint Augustine and Sedona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.